Packaging

ABSTRACT

A packaging component comprises a first block including a first support member having a first protective layer disposed on an external surface thereof and a second block opposite the first block and including a second support member having a second protective layer disposed on an external surface thereof. A spacer is coupled between the first block and the second block, and defines a longitudinal axis therebetween. The spacer is adjustable in length along the longitudinal axis so that the packaging component can be adjusted to a desired size within a range provided by the spacer to enable the packaging component to provide an interference fit within a product.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to improvements in or relating topackaging.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

When products are shipped it is important to ensure that they areprotected from damage during shipping. Damage may arise from the productcolliding with something else (for example, another product, a wall of ashipping container, or the like), and/or from internal components of theproduct colliding with each other or sidewalls of the product.

To protect the exterior of a product, products are typically packaged ina crate or carton, with foam or polystyrene blocks being insertedbetween the crate or carton and the product. Foam or polystyrene blocksare also inserted within the product to ensure that any componentsmounted therein do not move, thereby reducing the possibility ofinternal damage.

One particular device that requires careful packaging prior totransportation is a self-service terminal, such as an automated tellermachine (ATM). To protect components and modules within an ATM duringtransportation, ATM vendors typically use dozens of foam and woodenblocks of various widths and heights. These blocks are pressed intospaces between delicate modules and supporting structures to preventexcessive movement and subsequent damage during transportation. Eachblock can cost between 25 pence (25 p) and three pounds sterling (£3).The blocks are typically discarded when the ATM is unpacked at itsdestination.

Using these types of blocks has a number of problems. Firstly, many ofthese blocks are required to package an ATM securely. Secondly, it isexpensive to purchase these blocks because each block is bought incomparatively low volume due to the large number of different sizes ofblocks that are used. Thirdly, the packaging process is slow because acorrect size of block must be located (often by trial and error) whilethe ATM is being packaged, and the various sizes and shapes of blockappear quite similar to the person packaging the ATM. Fourthly, it isexpensive to design and produce new blocks for newly-designed internalATM components.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention generally provides methods, systems, andapparatus for improved packaging.

In addition to the Summary of Invention provided above and the subjectmatter disclosed below in the Detailed Description, the followingparagraphs of this section are intended to provide further basis foralternative claim language for possible use during prosecution of thisapplication, if required. If this application is granted, some aspectsof the invention may relate to claims added during prosecution of thisapplication, other aspects may relate to claims deleted duringprosecution, other aspects may relate to subject matter never claimed.Furthermore, the various aspects detailed hereinafter are independent ofeach other, except where stated otherwise. Any claim corresponding toone aspect should not be construed as incorporating any element orfeature of the other aspects unless explicitly stated in that claim.

According to a first aspect there is provided a packaging componentcomprising: a first block including a first support member having afirst protective layer disposed on an external surface thereof; a secondblock opposite the first block and including a second support memberhaving a second protective layer disposed on an external surfacethereof; a spacer coupled between the first block and the second block,and defining a longitudinal axis therebetween, the spacer beingadjustable in length along the longitudinal axis; whereby the packagingcomponent can be adjusted to a desired size within a range provided bythe spacer to enable the packaging component to provide an interferencefit within a product.

The first support member may comprise a solid material, such as wood,plastics, metal, or the like.

The second support member may also comprise a solid material, such aswood, plastics, metal, or the like.

The first protective layer disposed on an external surface of the firstsupport member may comprise polystyrene, foam, or the like.

The second protective layer disposed on an external surface of thesecond support member may also comprise polystyrene, foam, or the like.

The spacer may be implemented by any convenient adjustable member.

The spacer may comprise a threaded sleeve and a corresponding bolt, sothat when the first block is rotated relative to the second block thespacer extends or contracts longitudinally, depending on the directionof rotation. Clockwise rotation of the first block may drive the boltwithin the threaded sleeve so that the sleeve encloses the bolt;whereas, anticlockwise rotation of the first block may remove the boltfrom the threaded sleeve. This arrangement has the advantage ofproviding continuously variable adjustment of the spacer length.

The spacer may comprise a telescopic arrangement of sleeves, each sleevemay be rotatable relative to another sleeve to lock that sleeve inplace.

The spacer may comprise a pair of arm linkages (each arm linkagecomprising a plurality of linked arm members) where corresponding armmembers cross each other and have a pivot at the crossing point, so thata scissor action is provided, thereby enabling the first and secondsupport members to be pushed together (causing the arm members to movetowards a position generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis whenfully closed) or pulled apart (causing the arm members to move towards aposition generally parallel to the longitudinal axis when fully apart).

The spacer may comprise a bellows or concertina type of arrangement.

The spacer may comprise an inner sleeve slidably mounted within an outersleeve, the outer sleeve having detent apertures disposed longitudinallytherealong, and the inner sleeve including a resiliently-biased stub forprotruding through a detent aperture to lock the inner sleeve and outersleeve in place.

According to a second aspect there is provided a packaged productincluding the packaging component of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect there is provided a kit of packagingcomponents comprising: a first packaging component including a firstblock having a first protective layer, a second block opposite the firstblock and having a second protective layer, a first spacer coupledbetween the first block and the second block, and defining alongitudinal axis therebetween, the first spacer being adjustable inlength along the longitudinal axis up to a first maximum length; and asecond packaging component including a third block having a thirdprotective layer, a fourth block opposite the third block and having afourth protective layer, a second spacer coupled between the third blockand the fourth block, and defining a longitudinal axis therebetween, thesecond spacer being adjustable in length along the longitudinal axis upto a second maximum length, where the second maximum length is at leastfifty percent greater than the first maximum length.

The kit of packaging components may further comprise: a third packagingcomponent including a fifth block having a fifth protective layer, asixth block opposite the fifth block and having a sixth protectivelayer, a third spacer coupled between the fifth block and the sixthblock, and defining a longitudinal axis therebetween, the third spacerbeing adjustable in length along the longitudinal axis up to a thirdmaximum length, where the third maximum length is at least fifty percentgreater than the second maximum length.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of packaging acomponent, the method comprising: providing a packaging componentcomprising a first block having a first protective layer disposed on anexternal surface thereof coupled to a second block having a secondprotective layer disposed on an external surface thereof by a spacerincluding a spacer sleeve and a spacer bolt; rotating the first block ina clockwise direction relative to the second block to drive the spacerbolt into the spacer sleeve; measuring a length from the firstprotective layer to the second protective layer; comparing the measuredlength with a distance in a product to be filled; rotating the firstblock in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction until the lengthfrom the first protective layer to the second protective layer matchesthe distance to be filled; and inserting the packaging component intothe distance to be filled to provide an interference fit therein.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a packaging componentcomprising: a first block including a first protective layer; a secondblock opposite the first block and including a second protective layer;a spacer coupled between the first block and the second block, anddefining a longitudinal axis therebetween, the spacer being adjustablein length along the longitudinal axis; whereby the packaging componentcan be adjusted to a desired size within a range provided by the spacerto enable the packaging component to provide an interference fit withina product.

By virtue of these aspects of the invention an adjustable packagingcomponent is provided that enables a secure interference fit to beachieved without requiring an array of different sizes and shapes ofpackaging blocks.

These and other aspects will be apparent from the following specificdescription, given by way of example, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial perspective diagram illustrating a packagingcomponent according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial perspective diagram illustrating the packagingcomponent of FIG. 1 from a different angle;

FIG. 3 illustrates a self-service terminal mounted within a crate andincluding the packaging component of FIG. 1 inserted therein to protectinternal components thereof; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a kit of three different sizes of packagingcomponents similar to those of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2, which are pictorialperspective diagrams illustrating a packaging component 10 according toone embodiment of the present invention.

The packaging component 10 comprises a first block 14 including a firstsupport member 16 (in the form of a wooden base) having a firstprotective layer 18 (in the form of a foam block) disposed on anexternal surface 20 of the wooden base 16. In this specific embodiment,the length of the first block is 4 cm. Similarly, the packagingcomponent 10 also has a second block 24 opposite the first block 14.

The second block 24 includes a second support member 26 (also in theform of a wooden base) having a second protective layer 28 (also in theform of a foam block) disposed on an external surface 30 of the woodenbase 26. In this specific embodiment, the length of the second block 24is the same as that of the first block 14, namely 4 cm.

The packaging component 10 has a spacer 40 coupling the first block 14to the second block 24. The spacer 40 defines a longitudinal axis 42between the first and second blocks 14,24. The spacer 40 comprises athreaded sleeve 44 coupled to the first block 14 and a bolt 46 coupledto the second block 24.

To adjust the length of the spacer 40 to fit within a desired gap, apackager twists the first block 14 relative to the second block 24 (orvice versa). This has the effect of extending or shortening the lengthof the spacer 40. When the spacer 40 has been adjusted to the desiredlength, the packaging component 10 can be inserted within a gap in aproduct to provide an interference fit therein.

When the bolt 46 is fully inserted into the threaded sleeve 44, thespacer is approximately 6 cm long; whereas, when the bolt 46 is almostremoved from the threaded sleeve 44, the spacer is approximately 12 cmlong. Thus, the length of the packaging component 10 can range from 14cm to 20 cm.

Reference is now also made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified drawingillustrating a self-service terminal 50 (in the form of an ATM) packagedwithin a crate 60 for shipping. Solid foam blocks 70 are providedbetween the crate 60 and the ATM 50 to prevent the ATM 50 from movingwithin the crate 60. The ATM 50 has a safe area 72 enclosed by a safedoor (not shown for clarity), a controller area 74 in which a PC core 76is mounted, and an upper module area 78. The safe area 72 houses a cashdispenser 80. The upper module area 78 includes various modules (such asa card reader, a display, a receipt printer, and the like), but theseare not shown for clarity.

As shown in FIG. 3, and better illustrated in FIG. 4, three differentsizes of packaging components are used within the ATM 50. The firstpackaging component is packaging component 10. The second packagingcomponent 100 is very similar to packaging component 10, but the spacer104 is adjustable from 8 cm to 16 cm. The third packaging component 110is also very similar to packaging components 10 and 100, but the spacer114 is adjustable from 12 cm to 24 cm.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first type of packaging component 10 has beenadjusted (by rotating the first block 14 relative to the second block24) and inserted between the cash dispenser 80 and an upper wall of thesafe area 72 to provide an interference fit therebetween. Similarly, thesecond type of packaging component 100 has been adjusted and insertedbetween the cash dispenser 80 and a sidewall of the safe area 72 toprovide an interference fit therebetween. The combination of the firsttype of packaging component 10 and the second type of packagingcomponent 100 prevent the cash dispenser 80 from moving during shipping.

In a similar manner, the first type of packaging component 10 and thethird type of packaging component 110 are used to secure the PC core 76within the controller area 74.

It will now be appreciated that this embodiment has the advantage that asmall number of adjustable packaging components can be used to securecomponents within a product to be shipped. When the product arrives atits destination, the packaging components can be removed and re-used, ifrequired.

Various modifications may be made to the above described embodimentwithin the scope of the invention, for example, the first and/or secondblocks may be comprised entirely of a protective layer (such as a foamor polystyrene block), without any additional support member.

The specific lengths of spacers and first and second blocks describedabove are given merely by way of example; for a different product,different sizes of spacer and blocks may be more appropriate.

The kit of packaging components may contain a greater or fewer number ofcomponents than three.

The first and/or second support members, where they are used, maycomprise plastic, metal, or any other convenient material.

The terms “comprising”, “including”, “incorporating”, and “having” areused herein to recite an open-ended list of one or more elements orsteps, not a closed list. When such terms are used, those elements orsteps recited in the list are not exclusive of other elements or stepsthat may be added to the list.

1. A packaging component comprising: a first block including a firstsupport member having a first protective layer disposed on an externalsurface thereof; a second block opposite the first block and including asecond support member having a second protective layer disposed on anexternal surface thereof; a spacer coupled between the first block andthe second block, and defining a longitudinal axis therebetween, thespacer being adjustable in length along the longitudinal axis; wherebythe packaging component can be adjusted to a desired size within a rangeprovided by the spacer to enable the packaging component to provide aninterference fit within a product.
 2. A packaging component according toclaim 1, wherein the first protective layer disposed on an externalsurface of the first support member comprises a foam block.
 3. Apackaging component according to claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises athreaded sleeve and a corresponding bolt, so that when the first blockis rotated relative to the second block the spacer extends or contractslongitudinally, depending on the direction of rotation.
 4. A packagingcomponent according to claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises atelescopic arrangement of sleeves, each sleeve rotatable relative toanother sleeve to lock the rotating sleeve in place.
 5. A packagingcomponent according to claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises a pair ofarm linkages, each arm linkage comprising a plurality of linked armmembers, where corresponding arm members cross each other and have apivot at the crossing point, so that a scissor action is provided,thereby enabling the first and second support members to be pushedtogether or pulled.
 6. A packaging component according to claim 1,wherein the spacer comprises a concertina type of arrangement.
 7. Apackaging component according to claim 1, wherein the spacer comprisesan inner sleeve slidably mounted within an outer sleeve, the outersleeve having detent apertures disposed longitudinally therealong, andthe inner sleeve including a resiliently-biased stub for protrudingthrough a detent aperture to lock the inner sleeve and outer sleeve inplace.
 8. A packaged product including the packaging component ofclaim
 1. 9. A kit of packaging components comprising: a first packagingcomponent including a first block having a first protective layer, asecond block opposite the first block and having a second protectivelayer, a first spacer coupled between the first block and the secondblock, and defining a longitudinal axis therebetween, the first spacerbeing adjustable in length along the longitudinal axis up to a firstmaximum length; and a second packaging component including a third blockhaving a third protective layer, a fourth block opposite the third blockand having a fourth protective layer, a second spacer coupled betweenthe third block and the fourth block, and defining a longitudinal axistherebetween, the second spacer being adjustable in length along thelongitudinal axis up to a second maximum length, where the secondmaximum length is at least fifty percent greater than the first maximumlength.
 10. A kit according to claim 9, wherein the kit of packagingcomponents further comprises: a third packaging component including afifth block having a fifth protective layer, a sixth block opposite thefifth block and having a sixth protective layer, a third spacer coupledbetween the fifth block and the sixth block, and defining a longitudinalaxis therebetween, the third spacer being adjustable in length along thelongitudinal axis up to a third maximum length, where the third maximumlength is at least fifty percent greater than the second maximum length.11. A method of packaging a component, the method comprising: providinga packaging component comprising a first block having a first protectivelayer disposed on an external surface thereof coupled to a second blockhaving a second protective layer disposed on an external surface thereofby a spacer including a spacer sleeve and a spacer bolt; rotating thefirst block in a clockwise direction relative to the second block todrive the spacer bolt into the spacer sleeve; measuring a length fromthe first protective layer to the second protective layer; comparing themeasured length with a distance in a product to be filled; rotating thefirst block in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction until thelength from the first protective layer to the second protective layermatches the distance to be filled; and inserting the packaging componentinto the distance to be filled to provide an interference fit therein.